How to Make a Basket From Rope or Twine & Glue or Resin

Written by lillian downey

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Easter and home decor baskets are traditionally woven, usually from soft woods or strong vines and grasses. You can also create custom baskets using rope or twine and an adhesive like plain white glue or craft resin. Adhesive-sipped string will take the shape of whatever mould it's wrapped around and harden into a permanent shape as the adhesive dries. You can build up many layers of string for a more durable basket or make art baskets with an open, airy feel.

Skill level:

Moderately Easy

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Things you need

Rope or twine

White glue or craft resin

Scissors

Balloon

Plastic zip-top bag

Plastic cup (two if using resin)

Wooden craft stick (if using resin)

Food colouring (optional)

Ribbon (optional)

Newspaper

Latex or nitrile gloves

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Instructions

1

Lay down a few sheets of newspaper to protect your work surface from glue spills or resin damage.

2

Prepare your adhesive. If using craft resin, use a plastic cup and wooden craft stick to combine the resin mixture with the hardening catalyst according to the package instructions. No preparation is needed for white glue.

3

Cut your rope or twine into 12-inch lengths. Make at least 20 to start with. You may need more depending on the size of your basket.

4

Inflate your balloon and tie off the end. The size of your balloon will determine the size of your basket. Don't overinflate your balloon, as it might burst during the process. Set your balloon on top of the empty plastic cup.

5

Place several strands of rope or twine into a zip-top bag. Put on gloves to protect your hands. Gloves are optional for white glue but not optional for resin. Resin is difficult to remove from skin. Pour glue or resin into the bag and seal the top. Mash the bag around to get adhesive deep into the strands of the rope or twine.

6

Use gloved hands to remove the first glue-covered strand from the bag. Wrap it around the balloon. Repeat until you've wrapped all the strands around the balloon and it's completely covered. Add more glue and more strands to the zip-top bag as necessary.

7

Place the wrapped balloon back on the cup stand and allow to dry overnight.

8

Use sharp scissors to pop the balloon. Use the scissors again to cut out an opening for your basket. For a more traditional basket, cut away opening at both sides to create a handle.